Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has named a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blending experienced internationals with a new wave of emerging talent as the Elephants prepare for the tournament in North America.
The squad announcement has generated excitement among supporters, with several high-profile names returning alongside younger players earning their first major tournament call-ups.
One of the headline selections is the return of winger Nicolas Pépé, who missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco but has forced his way back into the squad following strong performances for Villarreal CF in Europe.
His inclusion is expected to add creativity, pace and experience to the Ivorian attack as the team prepares for a challenging group stage.
Faé has also included striker Elye Wahi after an impressive end to the season with OGC Nice, further strengthening an already competitive forward line.
The attacking unit also features the likes of Simon Adingra, Amad Diallo and Evann Guessand, giving Ivory Coast a wide range of options in the final third.
In midfield, the Elephants will rely heavily on the leadership of Franck Kessié and Seko Fofana, who are expected to provide both experience and stability at the heart of the team.
They will be supported by Ibrahim Sangaré and Jean Michaël Seri, offering depth, control and tactical balance in central areas.
Defensively, the squad includes a strong mix of physicality and technical ability, with players such as Ousmane Diomandé, Evan Ndicka and Odilon Kossounou forming part of a solid back line.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné and Alban Lafont.
The full squad list also includes Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Guéla Doué, Ghislain Konan and Wilfried Singo in defence, while the midfield group features Parfait Guiagon and Christ Inao Oulaï among others.
Forward options are further boosted by Bazoumana Touré, Oumar Diakhité and Yann Diomandé, reflecting the depth available to Faé in attack.
A reserve list has also been named, featuring Ira Tabi, Christopher Aubrey, Malik Falkov, Martial Godot and veteran striker Sébastien Haller, who could be called upon if needed before the tournament.
The squad will enter a closed training camp from 25 May, where they will undergo intensive preparation and a series of friendly matches before travelling to the United States for the tournament.
Ivory Coast will compete in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao, in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.
The Elephants will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage and build on recent continental success as they target a strong showing on football’s biggest stage.
